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Paropsisterna gloriosa
This delightful multicolored beetle looks like the canvas of a child artist. It has four yellow dots outlined in black and a yellow skirt. The back and eyebrows are red.
It has waited until the last day of 2013 to be discovered, a solitary beetle on a eucalyptus
A small ant was not pleased with its presence but they can tuck their antennae and toes under their shell, just like a tortoise and are not really bothered. One here found in Heyfield VIC http://www.bugblitz.com.au/bugs/class_in... another found in Wyanbebe NSW http://www.flickr.com/photos/couchy/5563...
Spotted on Dec 31, 2013
Submitted on Dec 31, 2013
16 Comments
Thanks Mark.
I understand that Tasmania has only nobilitata and not gloriosa or annularis so that link can lead you astray.
I's scary how many wrong things I 'knew'.
Your Tas link has Paropsisterna nobilitata... (with TonyD's approval) what do you think?
I didn't check for that theory Mark. These colors certainly beg for an explanation.
Are you sure the ant didn't have a paintbrush in it's pocket?
I was quite excited to see this Shanna. Its one beetle that I didn't expect to find. Last day of 2013 but well worth the wait.
Oh Martin, this one's an absolute corker. I'm so jealous!!!
Thanks Reiko and Scott.
Happily there were no parasites, the ants just don't like sharing their space.
Well, that's the nature of nature...
I hope it is not a parasitic wasp to destroy this beautiful creature....
Hey, Reiko, you've given me an idea.
Actually, I don't think I could paint it that well.
Thanks Tom15
It sure is a spectacular one.
Here is its distribution map.
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:b...
It looks like you have painted it. So very beautiful. Congratulation for your wonderful spotting.
Thanks Lauren
Thanks Jason
Great looking beetle! Looks like an artist designed it:-)
Awesome! The most colorful tortoise beetle I have known.. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing! It does look just like it was colored with crayons by a child! Love it.